Just Boopin' In With A Reminder

You are kind. You are loved. You are unique. But most of all: You are cute.

— Juliet, who is always cute

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Here’s What’s Happening At Good Spirits Farm

The small tractor I use for mowing grass around the house and chicken shack broke a few weeks back, and the needed part has taken an eternity to arrive. Meanwhile, it’s rained nearly every day, resulting in grass so high, I’m not even sure where to start. Of course, the head of the local homeowner’s association would like a word.

Out in the field, all that grass is translating to some very happy sheep.

The tree swallows have returned from wintering in Latin America. I love these nimble birds, the way they swoop over the flerd nabbing flies out of the air always makes me smile.

They’re claiming their nest boxes for the summer, and I’m delighted when I peak in a box and see a mama sitting patiently on her eggs.

Without my tractor, I’ve been unable to mow the buttercups back. Buttercups are the bane of my grazing existence. The sheep will eat a few, but they’re toxic in large quantities. (Even the bees don’t seem interested in their flowers.)

Buttercups are a sign of overgrazing, and, at this point, I only really have them in my horse fields. Horses are notorious for grazing the same spots over and over and over again, stressing the forages they love while allowing inedible things to thrive. Herbicide would be the easy solution, but that isn’t an option for us. Usually, I mow them down before they flower and spread their pollen around. This year, I’ve just had to watch them grow and accept them for what they are: A good backdrop for a Veli photo shoot.

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Here’s What I Loved This Week

I love making artisanal sourdough as much as the next person. But naturally leavened sourdough is a two-day affair. When you want bread stat? This recipe is a winner. It only takes a single rise, and is equally as delightful as toast or forming the base of a grilled cheese.